Comprised of wool jersey trunks and thin shoulder straps that cross in the front and back, Rudi Gernreich’s “monokini” frees the female body. Introduced in 1964, it instantly became a symbol of the 'Sexual Revolution,' and was banned by the Pope. Gernreich’s vision of a strong, uninhibited modern woman earned him a reputation as a social commentator.

Object Number: 2003.73.1

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
Seventh Avenue at 27 Street
New York City 10001-5992